The History of Harley Davidson.

Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer. it was founded in 1903 and named after William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, together with help from Walter Davidson. In 1904 the first Harleys went into production. In 1905, they hired their first full time employees. Then in 1908 Walter Davidson got a perfect score in the seventh annual Federation of American Motorcyclists endurance and reliability race. Three days later he set the economy record with an astounding 188 miles per gallon. This helped get the legend of how tough Harleys are in motion. In 1910 Harley-Davidson began using the "bar and shield" logo. During World War I, the Army was buying nearly one third of all the Harleys made. Another two wars and the legend of Harley-Davidson was going strong.

The distinctive tear drop shaped gas tanks entered service in the 1920s and the eagle began making it's appearance in the logo during the 1930s. But that legend nearly came crashing down when, in 1969, the American Machinery and Foundry bought the company and began producing inferior motorcycles. Names like "Hogly Ferguson" stuck and evolved into today's term for Harleys, "Hogs". But Harley-Davidson survived and prospered.

They are especially prized for their heavy customization, which coincidentally led to the creation of the "chopper" styled motorcycle. The legend of Harley-Davidson continues. Today Harley-Davidson stock has split more than four times. In 2003 they celebrated their 100th birthday. And in 2008, they purchased the Italian motorcycle manufacturer "AV Agusta."